Official News: 2012 Mini Coupe - Design & Future Cars

So sporty that it wears a helmet (for a roof, that is).

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Details have just been released about the production version of the 2012 Mini Coupe, a new 2-door hardtop model that's geared "squarely at maximizing driving fun" and is described as having a "level of agility that's unmatched in the small car segment."

Those are bold words from Mini. But Mini says the new Coupe—which is about the same length as the standard Mini—is focused on optimum performance. In fact, says Mini, it takes the "go-kart" feel of other Mini models to an even higher level. What's more, Mini says the new Coupe is the fastest-accelerating Mini ever, not to mention the Mini with the highest top speed. The John Cooper Works Coupe, the most potent model, is said to hit 60 mph in 6.1 seconds and have a top speed of 149 mph.

This first 2-seat Mini, with its helmet-style roof and 3-box proportions, is a big departure in styling for the company. The roof, fitted with an integral spoiler, is a full inch lower than the standard Mini's, and the stepped rear has an active spoiler that automatically deploys at 50 mph to optimize airflow. A high-opening tailgate reveals a reasonably large area that's perfect for golf bags or luggage.

Three models will be available: The Mini Cooper Coupe, the Mini Cooper S Coupe and the Mini John Cooper Works Coupe. As expected, the base Coupe will be powered by the 121-bhp 1.5-liter inline-4 that benefits from fully variable valve timing. This car is said to hit 60 mph in 8.3 sec. and have a top speed of 127 mph.

Moving up, there's the Cooper S Coupe. It's powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-4 that puts out 181 bhp at 5500 rpm and 177 lb.-ft. of torque from 1600 rpm to 5000. When the twin-scroll turbo is on overboost, there's 192 lb.-ft. of torque on tap from 1700 rpm to 4500 rpm. Mini says the S hits 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and has a top speed of 142 mph.

The top dog is, of course, the JCW Coupe. This Mini Coupe is powered by another turbocharged 1.6-liter, but this one, thanks to several modifications carried over from BMW Motorsports (stronger block, heads, crankshaft, pistons, valves), puts out 208 bhp at 6000 rpm and 193 lb.-ft. of torque from 1850 rpm to 5600. On overboost, there's 207 lb.-ft. of wheel-spinning torque on tap, from 1700 rpm to 4500 rpm. The JCW, as mentioned, hits 60 in a fleet 6.1 seconds and has a top speed of 149 mph.

All versions of the new 2012 Mini Coupe are fitted with a standard 6-speed manual transmission, with pleasingly short shift gates. Of note, the Cooper S Coupe is fitted with a new self-adjusting clutch, which will keep clutch feel the same over the car's entire service life. An automatic is available in the standard Cooper Coupe and the Cooper S Coupe; it's a 6-speed with Steptronic sequential shifting via the gear lever or optional paddles on the steering wheel.

With extra body-shell stiffening at the rear, the new 2012 Mini Coupe has better torsional rigidity than that of a standard Mini. That strengthening, plus beefier side sills, optimizes occupant protection while creating a wonderfully superb platform for the conventional Mini suspension.

Base models will wear 15-in. wheels, while the S and JCW will be fitted with 16s and 17s, respectively. While all Mini Coupes are fitted with Dynamic Stability Control (which includes ABS, EBD, Cornering Brake Control, Brake Assist and Hill-Start Assist), only the JCW will come standard with Dynamic Traction Control, which has an integrated Electronic Differential Lock. DTC allows for greater slip angles...just the thing for spirited driving, but still saving you if needed.

Pricing and on-sale date for the 2012 Mini Coupe have not been announced. We suspect the car will arrive in the U.S. this fall, with prices beginning at around $21,000.